Wave Break Island

North break wall

Wave Break Island

True to its namesake, Wave Break Island is a man-made island which was designed to protect the western foreshore of the Broadwater from waves that might penetrate the new, permanently stabilised deep entrance. It was created in 1985 as part of the Gold Coast Seaway construction (read more about the History of the Seaway).

However, Wave Break Island is much more than just a purpose-built island. The island is a tranquil, picture-perfect slice of paradise loved by locals and tourists alike. In particular, Wave Break Island is popular amongst boaties and kayakers, thanks to the favourable conditions, however the island is also the perfect day-trip getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while still being a short and convenient distance away from the mainland.

The island boasts the Broadwater’s best beaches, with the eastern, northern and the keyhole on the western side all featuring the perfect white sand the Gold Coast is renowned for.

Day-trippers love visiting Wave Break Island for walks along the sandy beach, swimming, picnics, nature walks and wildlife spotting. Well-known for its sparkling clear waters, Wave Break Island is particularly popular amongst snorkelers and scuba divers. The clear, clean and mostly shallow waters make it a perfect spot for kids to go swimming….with a good chance of spotting colourful fish and other wonderful marine life.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), through its navigation channel dredging and beach nourishment programs, continually work to ensure beaches in and around the Broadwater are nourished to protect infrastructure. The beaches and rock walls of Wave Break Island benefit from these works to ensure the island continues to act as a buffer from the ingress of wave action through the seaway entrance. We regularly dredge the navigation channels around Wave Break and use the sand to replenish the island to ensure the effectiveness of this vital asset.

Get Directions

We encourage activities that have minimal footprint and keep the environment, neighbours and broader community in mind:

  • Launch your private boat or kayak and explore the waterways
  • Cast a line and enjoy a quiet fish in a scenic spot
  • Spread out a picnic, relax under a tree and soak in the views
  • Go for a swim or paddle in the water, taking care as you go
  • Visit for a walk – along the shore, over the land, with friends or family

The land under the care of the Authority is dedicated for the community, and we welcome you to come and enjoy it. We invite you to spend time here on a day-visit, embracing the natural setting and embracing an active yet relaxed lifestyle. Whether you’re boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming or simply walking and enjoying the outdoors — this land is for you.

There is no accommodation or camping allowed on Wave Break Island.

Access to the island is only available over water, with private vessel the most common option. Kayaking or SUPing across from the Labrador foreshore also an option, some commercial operators are linked below.

Please keep the Gold Coast waterways clean by discharging boat sewage responsibly and legally. A map displaying pump out facilities can be found here:

Sewage Pump out Facilities Gold Coast

Who’s Who in the Blue

Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and
regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.

It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response,
compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.

Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and
effective waterway stewardship.

Download Who’s Who in the Blue

Acknowledgement of Country

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.

Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on 07 5539 7350.
For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au

Access, Management & Destinations

  • Access & Management

    Information on Anchoring & Mooring, Boating, Dredging, Operations Team & Tidal Works

    Learn More

  • Our Destinations

    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

    Learn More
DredgingSand Bypass System